Review: Hot Piroski Records have been on something of a hiatus for the last year or so but now make a welcome return with a new EP series. This collaborative affair is the result of an epic journey in an old Mercedes from London to Gunjur and finds label head Robin 12Tree working with The Gambia and Bongo Koi as Gambian Disco Express. 'Enlightenment is Now' marks their first release on Hot Piroski Records and it comes with vocals from Gambian mystic Rev. Joseph N'Gole, recorded on the banks of the River Gambia. This one has already been hammered by Psychemagik, Pete Herbert, and Severino from Horse Meat Disco so it comes quality assured.
Review: A Vision of Panorama and Star Creature continue their successful collaboration with another lovely 12" for lovers of classic house. Following the sold-out Fusion To Illusion LP, this new offering blends deep beats with hints of boogie and r&b in a fine showcase of the duo's signature sound, which is effortlessly cool, timeless, and trend-defying. Featuring vocal contributions from Sykes and Stacie G, the A-side delivers smooth, loungey vibes and includes the 12" version of 'Purple' which has been previously available only as a 7". The A-side also includes the instrumental track 'Ear Dreamin',' while the flip focuses entirely on instrumentals and brings a futuristic yet nostalgic edge.
Review: Admin's 'Mystical Circles 02' delivers two vibrant tracks that embody the essence of dancefloor-ready disco and funk. On Side-1, 'Three Eight Four' kicks off with infectious tribal drum fills and funky bass licks, accentuated by a commanding saxophone that invites listeners to groove. Its lively energy makes it a standout choice for any party. Flipping to Side 2, 'Ionosphere' continues the momentum with wicked bass notes and a stunning groove, complemented by powerful horn arrangements that elevate the track's dynamic feel. This release perfectly blends disco house with jazz funk elements, making it an essential addition to any DJ's set. Mystical Circles 02 is a celebration of sound that is sure to get everyone on their feet.
Elvira Voca - "Drugo Vrijeme (The Second Time)" (3:46)
Opatijski Suveniri - "Vamos A La Playa" (3:28)
Roman Butina - "I'm Gonna Get Your Love" (3:52)
Review: This limited gatefold edition compilation, curated by Leri Ahel & Zeljko Luketic, brings together 18 rare disco tracks from Yugoslavian artists, pressed on 2 x vinyl. Featuring the likes of KIM Band, Gabi Novak, Arian, Ljupka Dimitrovska, and more, the collection is sourced from original master tapes, ensuring pristine audio quality. Disco, a Trojan horse in Yugoslavia's pop music scene, thrived for an unexpectedly long time. Influenced by American and European disco acts like Boney M and Amanda Lear, Yugoslav producers and record companies like Jugoton and PGP RTB embraced the genre's vibrant energy. The scene fostered a unique blend of genre hybrids, electronic experimentation, and bold themes, with artists creating memorable and innovative disco music. This compilation captures the spirit of that era, shows both chart-toppers like Zdravko Colic and experimental gems. It highlights the creativity and freedom that disco provided, allowing musicians to push boundaries and deliver unforgettable tunes.
Mike Mars (dirty Digital anthem remix edit) (6:30)
HB Remix (Malik's Linwood mix) (6:53)
Review: Beyond Jazz Volume 1 from Truth Manifest Records, spearheaded by Malik Alston, is a vibrant blend of jazz fusion, electronica and soulful dance music. This vinyl release marks the first in a four-part series, setting the tone for a futuristic sonic journey. Alston's production weaves together melodic landscapes with rhythmic precision, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Can You Feel Me' and 'Tour Detroit' are standouts, combining deep grooves with lush, soulful melodies, while 'Long Time' brings a reflective vibe, effortlessly melding jazz with electronic textures. The inclusion of remixes and edits adds a fresh twist, drawing from Malik's Beyond Jazz radio show on motionfm.com. Alston's mastery in blending genres is evident throughout the EP. His long-standing influence in Detroit's music scene shines, reinforcing his position as a boundary-pushing producer and artist. Beyond Jazz Volume 1 is ideal for anyone craving innovative, soulful music.
Review: After years in the vault, Andrea & Alexander are now set to shine in the real world once more. This nostalgic project founded by Andrea Noce and Alexander Arpeggio in 2014 was revitalised in 2023. Initially a live setup of synths and drum machines, it evolved into a collection of songs with minimal-wave grooves and haunting lyrics in English and German, kinda reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux and Gudrun Gut. Following a breakup, both pursued solo careers, with Andrea releasing music internationally and Alexander launching a label. Now, their timeless recordings have come back to public attention and arrive in the form of this vibrant album.
Review: This is a full artwork version of the same release that dropped recently as a pre-release white label, so will look as good on the shelves as it sounds on the decks. DJ Dez Andres has been particularly productive of late after releasing a series of" records that showcase his signature edits. The collection includes 'Boogie,' a broken beat banger featuring a catchy whistle, followed by 'Maxin',' a sensuous, downtempo track with smooth pads and laid-back beats. The final track, 'Talking,' wraps things up with soulful vocals and a romantic, late-night vibe.
Review: When Danilo 'MCDE' Plessow and Bobby van Putten established their Space Grapes label last year, it was their stated intention to present 'the best in contemporary live dance music'. What they meant, we suspect, was releases like this debut album from van Putten's Another Taste combo - a four-piece whose colourful and sonically authentic sound rooted in boogie, 80s electrofunk and obscure, private press disco. The results are undeniably impressive, sounding something like a long-lost album from 1983 - complete with kaleidoscopic synths, soulful vocals and killer basslines - of the kind that dusty-fingered crate diggers consider a 'holy grail'. Highlights include the Plessow co-produced boogie brilliance of 'Anything You Want' and the funky bassline driven mid-tempo disco-soul of 'Time Is On My Side'.
Review: LA threesome ASHRR aka lead vocalist Steven Davis and producer-musician-vocalists Josh Charles and Ethan Allen are back with a brilliant new album for Ralph Lawson's superb 20/20 Vision Recordings that finds them working by the old mantra of 'art for art's sake'. This effortlessly eclectic record collides electronic soul, post-punk, space disco and indie-dance and is rich in melancholic melody, hazy, late-summer moods and late-night dancing. The vocals bring an indie edge to jangling delights like 'Please Don't Stop The Rain' while 'What's Been Turning You On' is a laidback and languid groove for lazy sessions.
Review: Acid jazz pioneer - and "acid jazz" coiner (!) - Chris Bangs returns with a brand new album for 2024, 'Dream World', which follows on from his early 2023 release 'Firebird'. Corralling his friends - Argentine keyboardist Luciano De La Rosa, Italian Massimo Morganti on trombone, Chile's Juan Pi Salvo on trumpet, and Fabio Tiralongo on sax - together for a supergrouped set of nine Bangers, Dream World hears the artist transcend borders in a mondialised fashion, in doing so paying homage to many of his inspirational greats such as the Mizell Brothers, Wayne Henderson and George Duke, whom together produced the joint groundwork for the latter-day genre.
Review: Bell Towers is ready to party and you will be too once you've be chaired by this new EP on Public Possession. The titular cut 'Party Boy' opens up with some colourful disco energy and a vocoder vocal that has a charming retro-future fee. After the instrumental comes the thrilling and high-speed loops of 'DJ, Music, Money' which are pure carnage and then things take a more downtempo direction with the deep, spaced-out sounds and lush twinkling synth patterns of closer 'Party Void'. Lots of ground is covered in this EP, all of it superb.
Review: Wewantsounds is set to reissue Steve Beresford's highly coveted 1985 album, Dancing the Line, originally released by the French label nato. Drawing inspiration from the fashion of French designer Anne Marie Beretta, the album features contributions from Beresford's Alterations bandmate David Toop, Alan Hacker, and Kazuko Hohki of Frank Chickens, with lyrics by Andrew Brenner. The music blends sophisticated ambient pop, driven by an RX11 drum machine, with synth funk and experimental elements. Tracks like 'Tendance' and 'Comfortable Gestures' have achieved underground classic status over the years. This reissue marks the first time the album has been re-released, with newly remastered audio by Translab in Paris, the original gatefold artwork, and a four-page insert with liner notes by nato's Jean Rochard. Steve Beresford, a prominent figure in British and international music since the early 70s, began his recording career with the Portsmouth Sinfonia and has collaborated with artists such as Derek Bailey, John Zorn, and Thurston Moore. In 1985, introduced to Anne Marie Beretta by Rochard, Beresford and Brenner crafted songs inspired by Beretta's designs. The resulting album, released in France in October 1985, features a blend of ethereal pop, funk, piano ballads and free instrumentals, making it a favourite among DJs and collectors worldwide.
Review: Smutty Edits is the brainchild of Jeroen Van der Smut, a music aficionado who - it is said, after indulging in kilos of Gouda cheese, chips with mayo and pancakes - left Amsterdam over thirty years ago for Anjuna Beach in India. It's a tale as old as time; a chosen dance adventurist leaves behind their quotidian European origin, in search of joys beyond the curtain of the east. Settling into the worlds of Goa trance and other adjacent electronic musics, Smut began to soak in their potents; and now, after years of surveying and reconnaissance, comes a true special ops mission: the 'Smutty Edits Series'. This first edition is a charming mix of rough-n'-tumble new beat, Balearic house ('Neukolln Riviera'), phosphorescent trance (the Board In Dust edit of 'Penkin Vogue House' is a real highlight) and minimal house come chillout, there are few vestiges of Goa here, though the record still betrays a worldly, lifelong globetrot's worth of accruing musical experiences and influences.
Review: Border Edits 02 delivers four distinctive disco edits that blend groove, funk, and boogie into one irresistible package. Side-1 kicks off with 'Love Excess,' a track that strikes a perfect balance between a smooth disco groove and a hefty dose of funk. It's a sweet opener that sets the tone for the record. Next, 'Triple Boogie' serves up a disco boogie builder with a bassline that will feel familiar to many. It reinterprets the original into a jam that invites you to "listen to the music and let your body move." On Side-2, 'Supafunky' lives up to its name as an anthem for getting down, packed with funky rhythms that are impossible to resist. Finally, 'Wordoutro' closes the record with a drum break that's tailor-made for DJs and dancers, providing the perfect backdrop for creative mixes and energetic dance floors. This is a versatile and funky collection of edits that will keep any disco lover moving.
Review: BPlan & Fab_o's sixth release on their label delivers serious flavor with a four-track EP also featuring Raregems. On the A-side there are two dancefloor killers from BPlan & Fab_o, showing off a strong African rhythm and a groovy number with disco horns - all the elements to light a dancefloor on fire. On the flip side, Raregems contribute two slow and sexy tracks from their archive, offering rare gems indeed. With each track bringing its own unique flavour, this EP is a fantastic addition to the series.
Review: James Alexander Bright's new sinle, Cool Cool, is a sonic kaleidoscope brimming with vibrant sounds and deep emotion. Bright's distinctive voice, reminiscent of Eddie Chacon, Beck or Michael McDonald, shines throughout. His multi-instrumental prowessiplaying guitar, bass, keys, and moreiadds layers of complexity to the record. Cool Cool illustrates Bright's evolving sound and unwavering creativity, making it a compelling addition to his diverse discography. The 'ECLA Beautiful dub' adds a great alternative version that provides a broken down moody version of the original to balance the 7". Both sides are excellent.
Review: Candido Camero is credited by the label Real Gone as the man "who basically brought the conga into the modern age", with his "innovative multi-percussion setups and tunable congas" raising the bar for those seeking an example of international music done right. Widely known for his elaborate one-man band apparatus - a combination of his own patented tunable conga with bongos, guiro, and foot-operated cowbell - Candido is unsurprisingly candid about his pioneering invention of the multi-percussion setup. 'Dancin' And Prancin'' hails from Camero's disco spate - a long time after which he'd already established a foothold in the contemporary jazz and soul worlds as a player in the bands of Dizzy Gillespie and Billy Taylor, to name a few. Well into his career, at the age of 58, 'Dancin' And Prancin'' nonetheless refuses to forgo the raw, easygoing follies of youth, with authentic and raw rhythms brought to a no less sprightly, spritzy vocal number.
Review: Caruso's 'Thank You', released on Ten Lovers Music, delivers a refined blend of broken beat and nu-jazz. The title track on Side-1 is a smooth and jazzy number, featuring a laid-back, shuffling rhythm with subtle Latin or island influences. The groove is easy-going yet rich, making it an effortless listen with an inviting vibe. On Side-2, 'Breathe For Me' leans into broken beat territory with a smooth, soulful vocal and standout keyboard work. The track flows seamlessly, offering a mellow yet rhythmic experience. Both songs exhibit Caruso's ability to fuse jazzy elements with contemporary beats, creating a soothing and sophisticated sound that will resonate with fans of nu-jazz and broken beat.
Review: LRK Records proudly presents their latest limited edition 45, featuring Dylan Chambers with the tracks 'I Can Never Get Enough' and 'Comin' Up' (LRK-28). Hailing from Arlington, TX, Chambers is a talented vintage pop, R&B, and soul artist known for his smooth vocals and guitar laent. After opting out of Berklee College of Music, Dylan moved to Los Angeles, where he built an impressive career, sharing the stage with artists like Haley Reinhart, Gavin DeGraw, and Three Dog Night. 'I Can Never Get Enough' is exactly what many Soul music fans look for in vintage production and vocal talent. With a great flip side to balance it,this 45 is great for fans of contemporary soul with a nostalgic twist.
O Ceu E Preto (Dimitri From Paris & DJ Deep remix) (6:13)
O Ceu E Preto (DJ Deep & Romain Poncet remix) (5:22)
Review: Cotonete are a genuinely unique proposition: an eight-piece French jazz-funk outfit who performed live for a decade before recording their first single in 2016. They've delivered a couple of great albums since, including this year's brilliant Victoire De La Musique. 'O Ceu E Preto', a Brazilian flavoured number, was one of the highlights of that album and here gets reworked for house dancefloors by French veteran DJ Deep and pals. On side A, he joins forces with fellow local legend Dimitri From Paris to deliver a chunky, bass-heavy vocal version that sits somewhere between Masters At Work's more Afro-house-infuenced efforts and Deep's own late-night dancefloor hypnotism. He explores the latter side of his musical personality further, alongside Romain Parcet, on a flipside dub that exquisitely deep, trippy and delay laden. It's a genuine triumph!
Review: Get ready to experience a true soul classic reimagined with this special 7" reissue of Matt Covington's magical 'I'm So In Love With You' which was originally released in 1983. Now a real rare groove gem, it embodies early 80s r&b with its smooth vocals and lush instrumentation. Covington's heartfelt delivery and the track's elegant arrangement have made it a collector's favourite with original pressings now hard to find and very pricey. This reissue is sure to introduce a new generation to its timeless appeal and the flip side features 'Muhammad Ali', a funk-infused tribute to the legendary heavyweight boxer.
Review: CVP's Always Never draws heavily from the early 80s Electropop and Italo Disco genres, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh sound. The trioiCostas Andriopoulos, Vicky Archontouli, and Panos Papapetrosibrings their collective expertise to this project, resulting in a blend that feels familiar to fans of those eras while offering a dark twist. Andriopoulos, known for his work with 23rd Underpass, infuses the production with a moody, atmospheric tone, creating a unique backdrop for Archontouli's vocals, which carry a haunting yet catchy quality reminiscent of vintage synth-pop. Papapetros' guitar work adds depth and texture, further enhancing the album's layered sound. Listeners can expect an interplay of nostalgic synth lines, driving rhythms, and a touch of melancholy that sets this release apart. CVP's dedication to the 80s shines through in every track, making Always Never a solid listen for those who appreciate both classic and modern interpretations of Electropop and Italo Disco.
Review: The debut album from Bahraini-born, British-based musical duo Dar Disku is a celebration of their Arabic heritage and multicultural influences that melds golden age West Asian and North African sounds with a contemporary dancefloor focus. The eight-track record hears the duo traverse their West Asian and North African origins and bring them back to their current place of residence, crossing from disco to Rai, from piano house to Turkish psychedelia, and all manner of other cross-Med import-exports. From the degage Turkish psych prog-house builder 'Sabir' with Billur Battal, to the penultimate piano-breaks rattler 'Galbi', this is a chilled and wavering dance release primed for bridging international gaps.
Review: Delegation is a British soul, funk, and disco band known for their success across Europe, though they remained relatively under the radar in the U.S. Formed in 1975 by Jamaican singer Ricky Bailey, the group's music quickly gained traction with their first single, 'The Promise of Love' and follow up 'Where Is the Love We Used to Know' became a hit in Britain. Despite frequent lineup changes, Bailey was a consistent member throughout as the band recorded much of their music in London, including their popular Eau de Vie album in 1979. The band continued to evolve until the early 1990s and put out new music back in 20121. This is a comprehensive Best Of across two sides of coloured vinyl.
Review: Berlin's prolific Delfonic is back on GAMM with part two of his popular Berlin Reworks series. Building on the fine first instalment, he delves into his record collection to rework four beloved tracks and they feature classic black dance music and blend modern disco-soul, soulful disco, jazz-funk, and vibrant jazz-dance. Each track offers something different so these jams will cater to a wide range of tastes from the aching soul of 'Will You Follow Me?' to the feel-good funk of 'Lemme Change', percussive and chord-laced magic of 'Come On & Dance' and cosmic dancer that is 'Chillinger'.
David Dingess - "Hyper Love" (Toni Rossano edit) (4:17)
Jaegerossa - "The Buzz" (6:07)
Cruisic - "Inspector Norse" (Slowly remix) (4:47)
FSQ - "This Is Carribean Disco" (A Tom Moulton mix) (6:28)
Review: Midnight Riot help the listener carve out their own personal Balearic headspaces with their new compilation Balearic Headspace, likening the "experience" of Balearic not just to a sound, but an affect, one that cannot be experienced without specific records or specific times and places. Do we believe it to be true? We may or may not, but that doesn't distract from the whopping curation job here, with most tunes on offer consisting of both total newness and reworks/revisions by the Midnight Riot crew; this 12" is a four-track selection of a wider 19-track digital comp. Our highlight has to be the ultra-smeary Tom Moulton mix of 'This Is Caribbean Disco' by Fsq, which floats atop a serious floe of stretched-out axe bubble and echoing crosstick, as its lyrics deal in word-painted themes of being held underwater. As mindfully, cognitively Balearic as it gets!
Review: Aussie mash-up maestro and re-editor DJ Agent '86 first made his mark two decades ago and has periodically delivered killer cuts ever since. Of those, the most celebrated is undoubtedly 'All About The Money' - a cannily constructed party jam that first dropped digitally at the tail end of the noughties. Here it finally makes it to wax. It's a simple idea, expertly executed, with the Australian producer peppering a jaunty reggae-disco groove (built mostly from a late 70s disco cover of Pink Floyd's 'Money') with a variety of cash-money related rap samples. Over on the B-side he works his magic on Blondie classic 'Rapture', adding in subtle elements from other cuts early on before building energy via the familiar groove and well-used effects.
Please Don't Break My Heart (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland re-edit)
I Like Funky Music (Skratch Bastid Turntable mix)
Black Water Gold Part 2 (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland extended mix)
Disco Hi-Life
Lovin' You (Smoove Disco dub)
Change
Free Yourself (Full Intention extended remix)
Bad Times (Yam Who extended vocal remix)
Body Work
The Big Throwdown
Losers & Fools (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland re-edit)
Beyond The Clouds
You're So Far Away (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland re-edit)
Five Days (CD2: Unmixed)
Love Don't Pay The Bills
Make It Alright
Please Don't Break My Heart (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland re-edit)
I Like Funky Music (Skratch Bastid Turntable mix)
Black Water Gold Part 2 (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland extended mix)
Disco Hi-Life
Lovin' You (Smoove Disco dub)
Change
Free Yourself (Full Intention extended remix)
Bad Times (Yam Who extended vocal remix)
Body Work
The Big Throwdown
Losers & Fools (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland re-edit)
Beyond The Clouds
You're So Far Away (DJ Andy Smith Reach Up Disco Wonderland re-edit)
Review: Bristolian turntablist and crate digger Andy Smith has long been renowned for the depth of his funk, soul and hip-hop selections, though it's only in recent years that we've discovered the quality and diversity of his disco collection. He continues to flex those credentials on the third instalment in his Reach Up - Disco Wonderland series. While there's plenty of obscurity on show, as you'd expect, Smith has chosen to include contemporary nu-disco cuts and fresh re-edits alongside vintage picks. So, while we cuts from The Sunshine Band, the disco-highlife of Orlando Julius and some late 70s electro-disco courtesy of French outfit Quartz, we're also treated to fresher tracks and edits from BB Soul, Birdee and Nick Reach Up, Yam Who and Full Intention. Throw in a killer DJ mix of the same material by Skratch Bastid and you have a genuinely essential collection.
Review: Andy Smith's Reach Up - Disco Wonderland Vol. 3 continues his exploration of the "Discosphere" with 16 more and one again carefully curated tracks. Featuring artists like Buscrates, Trailer Limon, and Rena Scott, the compilation also includes stellar edits and remixes by Full Intention, Yam Who, and Skratch Bastid. Initially curated during pandemic lockdowns and inspired by virtual DJ sets, Andy continues to share his superb collection via the legendary BBE Music label and once again this triple vinyl LP offers a treat for DJs, collectors and audiophiles alike.
DJ Fett Burger & DJ Grillo Wiener - "Disco Sex" (7:05)
Review: Those with long memories might remember Sex Tags UFO chief DJ Fett Burger's 2012 double A-side collaboration with the mysterious DJ Grillo Weiner, 'Disco Tre'/'Disco Fire' - a deliciously percussive and wayward workout built around choice disco loops and heavy, wayward percussion. 12 years on, the Norwegian pair are back for round two. Fett Burger goes solo on A-side 'Disco Fem', a typically stretched-out fusion of drum machine kicks, densely layered percussion and killer samples from a vintage disco record. It's a genuinely extra, extra-large affair and very, very good. Turn to the flip for 'Disco Sex', a slamming, techno-tempo collaboration that pairs thumping beats and low-slung dub disco bass with mind-mangling synth loops and ambient chords. Like the A-side, it's simply colossal - albeit in a typically eccentric, off-kilter way.
Review: Hot Biscuit Recordings' has spent the last couple of years delivering killer re-edit EPs, mostly from veteran talents including Rahaan and the Idjut Boys. For this 12", they've recruited another long-established re-editor, Brooklyn-based Japanese-American producer (and East Village Edits main man) DJ Monchan. There is of course a big fat slice of heavily orchestrated disco on show - B-side 'Finally', which seemingly extends and rearranges Steve Bendner's 1977 version of 'The Final Thing' - but it's A-side 'Silent Dub' that hits home hardest. It's sees the Dailysession Records founder turn his attention to a sparse, spaced-out synth-pop record of (we think) the 1980s, re-imagining it as deliciously deep and dubby house record full of trippy effects, echoing vocal snippets and delay-laden percussive elements.
Review: Milo Johnson AKA DJ Nature is not a newcomer to the re-edit scene - he's been serving up reworks, bootlegs and floor-focused DJ tools for decades - but he has become more prominent in recent years, thanks in no small part to the efforts of edit specialists Hot Biscuit Recordings. Here he delivers the second part of his Versions project, offering up six more revisions stretched across two slabs of wax. Check first the lightly dubbed-out, string-laden jazz-funk shuffle of 'Felix', before admiring the summery South American jazz-fusion brilliance of 'Caso De Amor de Brasileiro' and the low-slung funk-goes-jazz-dance headiness of 'Steppin'. His love of low-slung, dub-flecked workouts returns on EP highlight 'Tarzoon March', before he reaches for the lasers on disco-funk jam 'Disco Queen' and successfully tampers with a jazzy deep disco number on 'Have Mercy'.
Review: Drizabone's Pressure, released as a limited 7" on Anorax, is a delightful blend of soulful house and pop. The radio edit on Side-1 is a smooth, uplifting track with great vocals, disco-infused strings, and a feel-good vibe that perfectly captures the essence of classic soulful house. On Side-2, the Nu-Solution remix raises the energy level even more, incorporating bold horns and injecting the track with a vibrant gospel flavor. It elevates the soulfulness to new heights, transforming 'Pressure' into a powerful, high-energy anthem. Both versions offer their own take on soulful house, making this 7" perfect for fans of uplifting, vocal-driven club music.
Review: Chris Barratt aka Eagles & Butterflies possesses the rare ability to unite a larger-than-life peak time personality with the understated production method of comparatively underground records, techno pop and Italo. Bridging such gaps of authenticity and palatability can be a mean feat, but Barratt sacrifices few opportunities on his new 'Heartbreaks & XTC' EP to really think about how both poles can be met. Focussing on skeletal, hands-off mixing and yet apotheotic buildup production, Eagles & Butterflies truly do fly in unison on this stonker.
Review: One of the joys of Athens of the North's East Coast Love Affair project - an in-house band with a twist - is its' joyous musical eclecticism. Previously, they've delivered boogie, house, street soul, funk and disco. On this debut album, the collective spent some time in the studio with friend-of-the-family and Pikes Ibiza resident For Mankind (real name Russ Forman), and as a result the set has a dreamy, colourful and picturesque Balearic vibe. Of course, the influences are a bit wider than that - think dub, proto-house, ambient, Larry Hard-style deep house, Sun Ra and Brazilian music for starters - but that descriptor does neatly sum up what's on offer. Deep, evocative, pretty and impeccably produced, it's the most well-rounded and musically expansive East Coast Love Affair release to date.
Review: Eastside Connection's 'Frisco Disco' was first released in 1978 on the Los Angeles record label Rampart Records; the label were active throughout the three-decade period spanning the 1960s-1990s, in which the disco craze could be said to have "ran rampart". At its zenith lay Eastside Connection, the quints of Latin disco of the time, and whose membership was an ensemble cast of any group of six to nine players, chief among which were Bertha Oropeza, Brandon Fields, Dick Mitchell, Geoff Lee, Hector Gonzalez, and Sam Cracchiolo. Now reissued on Fraternity, 'Frisco Disco' is a discographic landmark of theirs, coming as a touristic disco ode to seaside punch and beer sips and clear skies - "I love the way the ocean fills the air". B-side 'It's Real' lowers the pace and dynamics to boxout funk, and is by far our preferred track.
Review: Andy Meecham has released a lot of fine music as The Emperor Machine, but little as perfect as his recent album, Island Boogie. Here a trio of cuts from that set are given the remix treatment. Hardway Brothers (AKA A Love From Outer Space co-founder Sean Johnston) will grab the headlines for his takes on 'Wanna Pop With You', and rightly so. His 'remix' (A2) cannily combines elements of Meecham's original - synth, bass, bits of Severtine Mouletin's vocal - with oodles of hallucinatory sounds, psychedelic guitars and a tough mid-tempo beat, while the 'Dub' strips things back further whilst upping the trippy vibe. Elsewhere, Tigerbalm delivers a rework of 'La Cassette' that sits somewhere between dub disco and proto-house, and Meecham provides a skeletal, dub-wise 'Version' of his fine La Fox cover, 'S-S-S-Single Bed'.
Review: Isle of Jura revisits the wonderful 'A Muto' by Esa here with a fresh reissue of it in original form with various remixes. It was originally released in 1986 on the 'Atesa' album and became an instant hit in Cameroon and Africa. The lyrics of tell the story of a woman leaving her husband, frustrated with her isolation as the housekeeper. The song blends Makossa, a brass-heavy style from the French Cameroons, with Ambasse Bey which is a traditional fast-paced dance music from Cameroon. When it was first written, Martin gathered session musicians in Paris and personally programmed the drums and synths using a Linn Drum and Yamaha DX7 to create a unique fusion of modern and traditional Cameroonian sounds.
Review: Sound Metaphors keeps it as deep as ever with a reissue of this classic from Franco Falsini. It's a quality EP that opens with the mysterious and exotic synth colour of 'People In Orbit' with its dusty retro breaks and psychedelic feel. 'Un-Flanged Transition' is another edgy sound that has no real analogue - it's an intense astral adventure with ever-changing synth leas and a real sense of unease. 'Midnight Tremors' takes things down a notch and is a carefree cosmic house jaunt with mellow synth magic and 'Ray-Tracing Sauna' is another sun-baked closer with wonderful arps drifting up into the heavens.
Exclusively (Alton Miller remix instrumental) (7:23)
Review: Mark Francis teams up with Nimiwari to deliver a soulful house gem in 'Exclusively', a track that brings the Newark DJ's signature sound to the forefront. Known for his residency at Club Shelter, Francis expertly crafts a lush soundscape, with Shawn Lucas on keys adding a rich layer of depth. Nimiwari's vocal performance, blending soul and house influences, elevates the track with emotion and finesse. On remix duties, Detroit legend Alton Miller steps in with a groovy rework, featuring his trademark keys and a bassline that glides effortlessly. Miller's take is an elegant nod to his deep roots in the scene, co-founder of The Music Institute club and a key figure in Detroit's house history. Both the original and remix are backed by instrumentals, offering DJs ample space to work with on the floor. Francis and Nimiwari have created something special here, a soulful, timeless track with just the right amount of modern flair. It's a testament to their artistry and the production skills of everyone involved, especially in how the music flows so naturally from one version to the next.
Chain Reaction (DoctorSoul You Can't Fake It extended Re-Therapy) (6:49)
When Sly Calls (DoctorSoul Don't Touch That Phone radio Re-Therapy) (5:33)
When Sly Calls (DoctorSoul Don't Touch That Phone radio Re-Therapy) (3:45)
Review: The launch of an official reworks series from The Warmer Music catalogue marks an exciting new collaboration between Too Slow To Disco and Warner Music, a partnership long in the making. Kicking off this series are the official DoctorSoul reworks of tracks by Michael Franks, a legendary figure in the Californian West Coast/Jazz/AOR/Yacht scene, who has personally endorsed these new versions. Over his 33-year career and 16 albums, Franks has captivated fans worldwide with his unique blend of sensual, witty, and reflective lyrics, seamlessly fused with jazz, soul, pop, and global influences. His music has been covered by international stars such as The Carpenters, Shirley Bassey, and Natalie Cole, and continues to inspire modern Balearic/Soft Disco musicians. Parisian producer DoctorSoul, a longtime collaborator with TSTD, has finally brought his revered reworks of Franks' music to an official release. Known for his eclectic remixes across genres, DoctorSoul's contributions are now available on stunning turquoise vinyl here with this version.
Review: GAEG, featuring Monkey Timers and Keita Sano, brings a vibrant mix of sounds on Anarcho Disco Vol 2, a heady blend of wide ranging influences. Side-1 starts off with 'Fountain,' an exhilarating track that merges Italo house, post-disco, and leftfield house elements into a fresh and dynamic sound. It's a track that immediately draws you in with its energetic and eclectic mix. 'Blue Fusion' continues the momentum, offering a similarly bold approach that showcases the duo's flair for blending genres. Side-2 opens with 'Brother,' a standout with its wild drumming and distinctive house vibe, creating a track that feels both innovative and unpredictable. 'Crazy Pa Pa' wraps things up with a psychedelic touch, using varied sampling and unique effects to craft a subversive sound that's both vintage and anarchic. If you are looking for something unqiue, Anarcho Disco Vol 2 is perfect for anyone seeking a fresh, adventurous house music experience.
Review: Samosa Records returns with Afrikano Vol. 3 which is a lovely Afro-themed, genre-blending EP featuring four standout tracks from trusted artists. Kicking things off is Vincent Galgo's 'African Rebel,' a 125bpm fusion of horns, driving rhythms, and Afro-pop bass. Frank Virgilio follows with 'Mistress,' a jazz-infused mid-tempo groover, packed with guitar riffs, organ stabs, and hypnotic bongos. Newcomer Casper Leo delivers 'Tom Tom,' a tribal delight featuring Kora guitar and melodic Marimba. Closing the EP is Lego Edit's 'El Safari,' a sultry Afrobeat banger that grabs hold and doesn't let go.
Nuit De Fievre (Pellegrino Nottata Stellata remix) (5:08)
Review: Be Strong Be Free's 7" series is on fire this year and now comes back with a third instalment. It is 'Nuit De Fievre' and it comes from label owner Gratts, aka the "Belgian down under," who revisits disco's golden era by assembling a stellar studio team starring the Moody Mae band in the company of Reinhard Vanbergen on violin and Jaj from Paris on vocals. What they cook up in return is elegant boogie and disco that will chime well with fans of Dimitri From Paris. The B-side features Pellegrino's jazz-funk rendition, adding Mediterranean flair straight from Vesuvius. Both sides promise deliciously uplifting grooves for any disco enthusiast.
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